Best known for his fifteen-year stint as comedian and founding member of The Footy Show, and cast regular on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, Trevor began his career as a stand-up comedian at the age of nineteen. His first job in the media was as part of the comedy racing radio show Punter to Punter, and he has maintained his involvement in racing through a succession of radio programs – becoming a respected form analyst and part-owning hundreds of horses. www.trevormarmalade.com.au
From Aintree to Argentina, Deauville to Dubai, and Birdsville to Belmont: the world’s greatest tracks, legendary races and the champions who have won them.
Jim McGrath
Racing has gone global, and Great Racetracks of the World is your comprehensive guide to all the courses
Great
that run Group or Listed races, complete with stunning photographs
Racetracks
Containing current information about
of the World
the tracks, detailed descriptions and key information on starting positions and draws, this book is also a comprehensive history, offering all the best tales of the turf as well as a summary of the great races and the legendary horses who have won them. racing has to offer.
SPORT ISBN 978-174270461-6
9 781742 704616
of seminal moments.
Discover the very best the world of
Trevor Marmalade J i m A M c G r at h
For many years the BBC’s senior racing commentator – covering the leading fixtures in the domestic racing calendar, including the Grand National, the Derby and Royal Ascot, as well as top overseas events such as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Dubai World Cup and the Melbourne Cup in his native Australia – Jim is currently a presenter with At the Races and is the Daily Telegraph’s ‘Hotspur’.
Great Racetracks of the World
Trevor Marmalade
T r e v o r M a r m a l a d e & J i m A M c G r at h
CONVERSION TABLE
100lb = 45kg 1ft = 0.3m 1yd (3ft) = 0.90m 1/10 mile = 0.16km 1/8 mile = 0.20km 1/4 mile = 0.40km 1/2 mile = 0.80km 1 mile = 1760yds = 1.61km
Contents
1 acre = 0.40ha
England
Ireland
Epsom Downs ................................. 2 Newmarket ..................................... 5 Ascot ............................................... 9 York .............................................. 13 Doncaster ...................................... 16 Sandown Park ................................ 18 Goodwood .................................... 20 Newbury ....................................... 22 Haydock Park ................................ 23 Chester .......................................... 24 Lingfield Park ................................ 25 Kempton Park ............................... 26 Newcastle (UK) ............................. 26 Salisbury ........................................ 27 Windsor ........................................ 27 Pontefract ...................................... 27 Ripon............................................ 28 Redcar .......................................... 28 Warwick ........................................ 28 Nottingham ................................... 29 Wolverhampton ............................. 29 Great Yarmouth ............................. 29 Beverley ........................................ 30 Bath .............................................. 30 Leicester ........................................ 30 Cheltenham ................................... 31 Aintree .......................................... 32
The Curragh ................................. 36 Leopardstown ................................ 39 Fairyhouse ..................................... 40 Cork.............................................. 40 Tipperary ...................................... 40 Naas .............................................. 41 Dundalk ........................................ 41 Gowran Park ................................. 41 Navan ............................................ 41 Galway .......................................... 42 Limerick ........................................ 42 Killarney........................................ 42 Roscommon.................................. 43 Punchestown ................................. 43 Laytown ........................................ 43
Scotland Ayr ................................................ 34 Hamilton Park ............................... 35
iv
France Longchamp ................................... 44 Chantilly ....................................... 49 Deauville ....................................... 51 Saint-Cloud ................................... 53 Maisons-Laffitte ............................. 53 Toulouse ........................................ 54 Vichy............................................. 54 Lyon-Parilly ................................... 54 Marseilles-Borely ........................... 55 Nantes ........................................... 55 Bordeaux ....................................... 55 La Teste-De-Buch .......................... 55 Cagnes-Sur-Mer ............................ 56 Craon ............................................ 56 Clairefontaine ................................ 56
Switzerland
Compiegne.................................... 56 Fontainebleau ................................ 57 Strasbourg...................................... 57 Auteuil .......................................... 57
St Moritz ....................................... 69
Italy
Pardubice....................................... 70
Capannelle..................................... 58 San Siro ......................................... 60 Pisa ................................................ 61 Siracusa.......................................... 61 Palio Di Siena ................................ 62
Germany Hamburg ....................................... 64 Baden-Baden ................................. 65 Cologne ........................................ 66 Munich ......................................... 66 Hoppegarten ................................. 67 Dusseldorf ..................................... 67 Dortmund ..................................... 67
Sweden Taby .............................................. 68 Jagersro .......................................... 68
Norway Ovrevoll ........................................ 68
Denmark Copenhagen .................................. 68
Czech Republic
Australia – Victoria Flemington .................................... 71 Caulfield ........................................ 77 Moonee Valley ............................... 81 Sandown Park ................................ 84 Geelong......................................... 85 Bendigo ......................................... 85 Cranbourne ................................... 85 Ballarat .......................................... 86 Werribee ....................................... 86 Seymour ........................................ 87 Kilmore ......................................... 87 Warrnambool ................................ 87
Australia – NSW Randwick...................................... 89 Rosehill Gardens ........................... 94 Warwick Farm ............................... 97 Canterbury .................................... 98 Newcastle ...................................... 98 Hawkesbury................................... 99 Kembla Grange .............................. 99 Scone ............................................ 99 Gosford ....................................... 100 Wyong......................................... 100 Albury ......................................... 100 Wagga Wagga ............................... 101
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Australia – Queensland Eagle Farm .................................. 102 Doomben .................................... 104 Gold Coast .................................. 105 Sunshine Coast ............................ 106 Ipswich ........................................ 106 Toowoomba ................................ 106 Birdsville ..................................... 107
Australia South Australia
Morphettville .............................. 108 Murray Bridge ............................. 110 Balaklava...................................... 110 Oakbank...................................... 110
Australia Western Australia
Ascot ........................................... 111 Belmont Park .............................. 113 Bunbury ...................................... 113 Kalgoorlie .................................... 113 Pinjarra........................................ 114 Northam ..................................... 114
Australia – Tasmania Hobart......................................... 114 Launceston .................................. 115
Australia Australian Capital Territory
Canberra ..................................... 115
Australia Northern Territory
Fannie Bay................................... 116
New Zealand Ellerslie........................................ 117 Trentham ..................................... 119 Riccarton Park ............................ 120 Hastings ....................................... 121 Te Rapa ....................................... 122 Otaki ........................................... 123 Awapuni ...................................... 124 Te Aroha ...................................... 124 Avondale ..................................... 125 Pukekohe Park............................. 125 Matamata..................................... 125 Tauranga ...................................... 125 Pukekura Raceway ...................... 126 Arawa Park .................................. 126 Hawera ........................................ 126
Wanganui .................................... 127 Ruakaka ...................................... 127 Foxton ......................................... 127 Gore ............................................ 127
United Arab Emirates Meydan ....................................... 128 Abu Dhabi................................... 130 Jebel Ali ....................................... 130 Qatar ........................................... 130
USA Churchill Downs ......................... 131 Pimlico ........................................ 134 Belmont Park .............................. 136 Santa Anita Park........................... 141 Saratoga ....................................... 145 Keeneland.................................... 150 Hollywood Park .......................... 152 Del Mar....................................... 155 Aqueduct..................................... 157 Arlington Park ............................. 159 Gulfstream Park ........................... 161 Oaklawn Park .............................. 163 Monmouth Park .......................... 164 Delaware Park.............................. 164 Parx ............................................. 165 Calder ......................................... 165 Fair Grounds................................ 166 Hawthorne .................................. 167 Tampa Bay Downs ....................... 167 Golden Gate Fields ...................... 167 Colonial Downs .......................... 168 Laurel Park .................................. 168 Hoosier Park................................ 169 Mountaineer Park ........................ 169 Louisiana Downs ......................... 170 Presque Isle Downs ...................... 170 Charles Town ............................... 170 Turfway Park ............................... 171 Prairie Meadows .......................... 171 Lone Star ..................................... 171 Delta Downs................................ 172 Kentucky Downs ......................... 172 Sam Houston Park ....................... 173 Ellis Park ..................................... 173 Emerald Downs ........................... 173 Remington Park .......................... 174 Sunland Park ............................... 174 Meadowlands............................... 175 Indiana Downs ............................ 175 Pleasanton ................................... 175 Ruidoso Downs........................... 176 Evangeline Downs ....................... 176 Turf Paradise ................................ 176 Retama Park ................................ 176
Finger Lakes ................................ 177 Fresno ......................................... 177 Fairplex Park ............................... 177 Santa Rosa................................... 177 Canterbury Park .......................... 178 Sunray Park ................................. 178 Thistledown ................................ 178 Albuquerque ................................ 178
Canada Woodbine.................................... 179 Hastings Park ............................... 181 Northlands Park........................... 181
Argentina San Isidro..................................... 182 Palermo ....................................... 184 La Plata........................................ 184
Brazil Cidade Jardim .............................. 184 Gavea .......................................... 185 Cristal.......................................... 185 Taruma ........................................ 185
Chile Club Hipico ................................ 186 Hipodromo Chile ........................ 186 Valparaiso..................................... 186
Puerto Rico Camarero..................................... 187
Peru Monterrico .................................. 187
Uruguay Maronas....................................... 187
Panama Hipodromo Presidente Remon .... 188
Venezuela La Rinconada .............................. 188
Japan Tokyo .......................................... 189 Nakayama .................................... 192 Kyoto .......................................... 193 Hanshin ....................................... 194 Chukyo ....................................... 195
Morioka ...................................... 195 Ohi ............................................. 196 Niigata ........................................ 196 Hakodate ..................................... 196 Kokura ........................................ 197 Sapporo ....................................... 197 Fukushima ................................... 198 Kanazawa..................................... 198 Kawasaki...................................... 198 Funabashi .................................... 199 Urawa.......................................... 199 Sonoda ........................................ 199 Mombetsu ................................... 200 Nagoya ........................................ 200 Saga ............................................. 200 Kochi .......................................... 200
Hong Kong Sha Tin ........................................ 201 Happy Valley ................................ 204
Macau Taipa ........................................... 205
Singapore Kranji .......................................... 206
Mongolia Mongol Derby ............................. 207
South Africa Greyville ...................................... 210 Kenilworth .................................. 212 Turffontein .................................. 213 Scottsville .................................... 214 Clairwood ................................... 214 Vaal ............................................. 215 Arlington ..................................... 215 Durbanville .................................. 215 Fairview ...................................... 216
India Mumbai....................................... 216 Hyderabad ................................... 216 Bangalore .................................... 217
Turkey Veliefendi .................................... 217
Mauritius Champ De Mars .......................... 217
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INTRODUCTION
T
horoughbred racing is a unique sport with a language all its own.When racing people get together they rarely discuss anything else, and when they do it is always related in racing parlance and terminology.
comprehensive illustrated ‘guide’ become too hard to resist, but it appeared obvious that there had never been a better time for it.
It is a game rich in colourful characters, prepared to chance their arm and back their opinions, who bounce between the penthouse and the poor house with no visible change to their demeanor.
But not every legendary race is a stakes race, or run at a traditional course, and many of these have been included as well. It is hoped that this publication will fill the gap in current literature, and also assist in the neverending search to back a winner.
More than 20 years ago it occurred to me that nobody had ever written a book covering all of the tracks that run Group or Listed races. Since then the evolution of technology has transformed racing into a global sport, with races beamed live into loungerooms from all over the world. Not only did the idea of a
Great Racetracks_Txt.indd 1
Within these pages are more than 270 tracks arranged by country, beginning with the home of racing in England, and traversing all parts of the globe that run stakes races.
Among the names of the notable winners there will be many to evoke memories, some to discover and others whose deeds stand the test of time, though their legends may have dimmed. What can be guaranteed is that by the time you have finished reading this book there will be many places that you intend to visit.
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— England —
Epsom Downs Epsom Downs, Epsom, Surrey, England, UK. www.epsomdowns.co.uk
A
farmer was herding his cattle across the Epsom Downs in 1614 when he chanced upon a mineral spring. It was a discovery that would transform the area. Just 15 miles from London,The Downs soon became a popular destination for weekenders and day outings and many recreational activities were organised. Naturally it was not long before somebody had the idea to untie a couple of horses and race them off. In fact, racing thrived here for well over a century before the introduction of the races that would make The Downs famous. Epsom Downs is the venue for the world’s most celebrated and influential horse race – The Derby, first run in 1780. Every winner of The Derby is an instant legend in its own right. The course is set on Common Land, so while it is permissible to charge admission to the grandstands and enclosures, entry to the inner section of the course has always been free to the public. Consequently the event is one of the most well-attended sporting events in England as punters, party goers, campers and travellers sprawl across the infield in their tens of thousands, providing a vibrant, colourful and noisy carnival atmosphere. For those who can’t back a winner or have reason to rejoice, on the inside of the course is a pub called the Rubbing House, only a furlong past the winning post.
Part of Epsom folklore surrounds the local Amato Inn – named after Amato, who won The Derby in 1838 at his only appearance on a racetrack. The night before The Derby every year, a ghost is said to appear and writes its prediction of the winner in chalk on the post outside. The ghost has been right on occasion though some may argue it would be preferable to have a ghost that gets better mail. Or at least does the videos. Epsom is also home to The Oaks. Named after the Epsom estate of Lord Derby, and predecessor to The Derby by a year, it was the success of the inaugural running of The Oaks in 1779 that led to the establishment of The Derby.
THE TRACK There is nothing like Epsom. No designer starting from scratch would dare come up with such a bizarre track. The Derby course was laid out in 1872 and is horseshoe shaped. The start at the mile and a half is on a steep
FEATURE RACES
2
THE DERBY
G1
1M4F10Y
TURF
3YOC&F
SW
1780 JUNE
THE OAKS
G1
1M4F10Y
TURF
3YOF
SW
1779 JUNE
CORONATION CUP
G1
1M4F10Y
TURF
4YO+
WFA
1902 JUNE
incline and it is a run of about 250yds before turning appreciably right. Runners then cut the corner before moving across to the lefthand side of the course by the mile and a quarter. The searching uphill climb continues until almost a furlong before the mile mark, which is the highest point on the course – 134ft above the start. The track flattens out for 300yds then turns left for the long, very steep descent down Tattenham Hill, which at one point dips 40ft in 300yds, and continues downhill to the sharp left-hand bend into the straight at Tattenham Corner. There, the runners are met by a home straight that is adversely cambered because it runs along the foot of a hill, so the ground at the stands rail is, for the most part, 5ft higher than that by the inside rail. It is a run home of just under 4 furlongs that continues to descend until the half furlong where the track again rises slightly until the post. Epsom also features the world’s fastest 5-furlong straight course with the start from a chute perched on a hill adjoining the straight. It is a very steep run downhill until linking up with the straight on the course proper, enabling blistering times to be set. Separate chutes are also used for the 6-furlong and 7-furlong starts, both of which join the course proper on the run down to Tattenham Corner. The camber of the straight means rainwater runs quickly towards the inside of the track so riders tend to steer well towards the stands rail when the ground is soft.
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s
FEATURE RACES THE DERBY It is racing folklore that a toss of a coin between Lord Derby and Sir Charles Bunbury in 1779 decided the name for a new race for 3yos. Neither could have known that they were tossing for the honour of the world’s most famous race or that the winner’s name would become permanently and indelibly synonymous with Classic racing the world over. Though Bunbury lost the toss, his horse Diomed won the inaugural running, staged over a mile. Notable winners include SERJEANT (1784), who won the first running at the now classic mile and a half distance; CHAMPION (1800) was the first horse to win The Derby and the St Leger; ELEANOR (1801) also owned by Bunbury, became the first filly to win The Derby and The Oaks; WHALEBONE (1810); Bunbury’s SMOLENSKO (1813) became the first to claim the 2000 Guineas–Derby double; MIDDLETON (1825) also won The Derby at his only start. Eternally linked legends THE FLYING DUTCHMAN (1849) and VOLTIGEUR (1850); WEST AUSTRALIAN (1853) was the first horse to win the 2000 Guineas, Derby and St Leger – now known as the Triple Crown – GLADIATEUR (1865)
became the second Triple Crown winner and the first French-bred horse to do so. ORMONDE (1856) was undefeated in his 16-start career, which included the Triple Crown. He could win at any distance. Having captured the Dewhurst over 7 furlongs as a 2yo, he returned after his triumphant 3yo campaign to make all in the July Cup. One of the alltime greats of the turf. BLINK BONNY (1857); THORMANBY (1860); CREMORNE (1872); GALOPIN (1875); BEND OR (1880); ISINGLASS (1893); LADAS (1894) for Lord Roseberry, making him the first prime minister to win The Derby; PERSIMMON (1896), owned by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, who would win it twice more with DIAMOND JUBILEE (1900) and as King with MINORU (1909). The 100 to 1 outsider SIGNORINETTA (1908) became the third filly to take the Derby–Oaks double; CORONACH (1926); BLENHEIM (1930); HYPERION (1933); BAHRAM (1935); TULYAR (1952); NEVER SAY DIE (1954); ST PADDY (1960); RELKO (1962); SEA BIRD (1965) was one of the greatest racehorses of the 20th century. His 6-length win in the Arc as a 3yo propelled his annual Timeform rating to a record 145 in 1965. This remained the highest ever awarded until the win of Frankel in the Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot in 2012 earned that horse a rating of 147. SIR IVOR (1968)
had a stellar season, also winning the 2000 Guineas, Champion Stakes and the Washington DC International. He would have a successful stud career in the USA. The start of the 1970s heralded a golden era beginning with NIJINSKY (1970), MILL REEF (1971) and ROBERTO (1972) – each among the all-time greats and enormous influences on the breeding landscape.Vincent O’Brien had travelled to America on behalf of a client to inspect a horse which had left him unimpressed. However, as the story often goes, he was taken with a horse in an adjoining paddock which he considered to be a nice mover. The horse was Nijinsky, who earned British Horse of the Year honours in 1970 for winning the Triple Crown, the Irish Derby and beating the older horses in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. His arrival in Europe from America shone the spotlight on the Northern Dancer line now so dominant in the breeding world. Mill Reef won 12 of his 14 starts. As a 3yo he won The Derby, Eclipse, King Edward VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Arc. One of his only two defeats – both seconds – was at the hands of the legendary Brigadier Gerard in the 2000 Guineas. Roberto, along with his win in this race, is best remembered for defeating Brigadier Gerard, previously unbeaten at all 15 starts, in the International Stakes at York in 1972. THE MINSTREL (1977) for Robert Sangster, sire of Palace Music, in turn sire Great Racetracks of The World 3
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of Cigar; TROY (1979) is considered one of the great winners, having streeted a top field by 7 lengths; SHERGAR (1981) was a headline horse all the way from his record 10-length Derby win, and victories in the Irish Derby and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes to his subsequent disappearance, which remains a matter of intrigue. LAMMTARRA (1994) had a remarkable undefeated 4-start career, which included The Derby, the Arc and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes; GALILEO (2001), out of Arc-winning mare Urban Sea, also claimed victory in the Irish Derby, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2001) and is the sire of Frankel; HIGH CHAPARRAL (2002); NEW APPROACH (2008). SEA THE STARS (2009), also out of Urban Sea, captured the imagination of the press and the public in his remarkable 2009 campaign when he also won the 2000 Guineas, Eclipse Stakes, International Stakes, Irish Champion Stakes and the Arc. Lester Piggott rode the winner on nine occasions.
THE OAKS
The Derby Watching Hyperion, 1933
The Derby, 1931
Tattenham Corner, 1935
The inaugural winner was BRIDGET (1779), owned by Lord Derby. After ELEANOR (1801), BLINK BONNY (1857) became only the second filly to win the Derby–Oaks double. FORMOSA (1868) took the 1000 Guineas, 2000 Guineas, The Oaks and St Leger to become the first fillies’ Triple Crown winner and the first horse to win four Classic races. LA FLECHE (1891) was a top filly who won 16 of her 24 starts, including the fillies’ Triple Crown, the Ascot Gold Cup and the Coronation Stakes in 1894. SCEPTRE (1902) followed in the footsteps of Formosa by winning the same four Classics. She also ran second in The Derby. PRETTY POLLY (1904); SAUCY SUE (1925); QUASHED (1935) won the Ascot Gold Cup; SUN CHARIOT (1942). MELD (1955) was a Triple Crown winner who became a top broodmare and producer whose progeny included Derby winner Charlottown (1966), Lysander II and Mellay. PETITE ETOILE (1959) was named British Horse of the Year; SNOW BRIDE (1989), dam of Lammtarra, was awarded the race after the disqualification of the Aga Khan’s horse Aliysa; USER FRIENDLY (1992) en route to being crowned European Horse of the Year; OUIJA BOARD (2004); and SNOW FAIRY (2010) was also a Group 1 winner in Ireland, Japan, Hong Kong and France.
CORONATION CUP The Coronation Cup was inaugurated in 1902 to mark the coronation of King Edward VII. It is a weightfor-age race for 4yos and up, run over the Derby distance. 4
PRETTY POLLY (1905, 06) was the first horse to win it twice, a feat repeated by WHITE KNIGHT (1907, 08). LEMBERG (1911) had 24 starts for 17 wins. He was a dual Group 1 winner as a 2yo, and his 3yo wins included The Derby, Eclipse Stakes, St James’s Palace Stakes (1910) and two Champion Stakes (1910, 11). PRINCE PALATINE (1913) was a two-time British Horse of the Year (1912, 13). POMMERN (1916) had won the Triple Crown the year before; SOLARIO (1926) would go on to sire two Derby winners in Mid-day Sun (1937) and Straight Deal (1943); CORONACH (1927) also won The Derby and St Leger; REIGH COUNT (1929) achieved a unique double following his triumph in the Kentucky Derby of 1928; WINDSOR LAD (1935) won The Derby and St Leger in 1934; ARDAN (1946) was a champion French horse who won 16 races from 23 starts including the Prix du Jockey Club and the Arc. TANTIEME (1951) was a dual Arc winner (1950, 51) and twice leading sire in France; Her Majesty’s AUREOLE (1954) went on to become a successful sire. BALLYMOSS (1958), trained by Vincent O’Brien, also won the Arc that year and retired as all-time leading money winner in Britain and Ireland, where he was commemorated on a postage stamp. He also won the St Leger, Irish Derby (1957), Eclipse Stakes and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1958). PETITE ETOILE (1960, 61) also won the Oaks; EXBURY (1963) won the Arc; RELKO (1964), CHARLOTTOWN (1967) and ROYAL PALACE (1968) all took out the Derby; LUPE (1971) followed up her win in The Oaks the previous season; MILL REEF (1972); ROBERTO (1973). EXCELLER (1977) is a US Hall of Famer who won the Grand Prix de Paris (1976), Canadian International (1977), Hollywood Gold Cup (1978) and the Jockey Club Gold Cup of 1978, where he defeated Triple Crown winners Seattle Slew and Affirmed. RAINBOW QUEST (1985) also won the Arc; TRIPTYCH (1987, 88) made it back-to-back victories. and was also a dual winner of the Champion Stakes. IN THE WINGS (1990) also won the Breeders’ Cup Turf (1990) and would sire champion SINGSPIEL (1997), winner of the Canadian International, Japan Cup (1996), Dubai World Cup, International Stakes (1997). DAYLAMI (1999) captured the race on his way to being European Horse of the Year and also took the Breeders Cup Turf that year. YEATS (2005); SHIROCCO (2006) was a winner of the Deutsches Derby (2004) and Breeders’ Cup Turf (2005); FAME AND GLORY (2010) won the Ascot Gold Cup the following year; ST NICHOLAS ABBEY won it three times (2011–13) and won the Breeders’ Cup Turf (2011) and Dubai Sheema Classic (2013). Lester Piggott won the race nine times, first with ZUCCHERO (1953) and finally with BE MY NATIVE (1983).
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;
Newmarket Westfield House, The Links, Newmarket, England, UK. www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk
I
n the early 17th century, King James I attended the Newmarket course for the first time and set it on its path as the major centre for racing. Newmarket has received the benefit of royal patronage ever since.
FEATURE RACES ROWLEY MILE COURSE 1000 GUINEAS
G1
1M
TURF
3YOF
SW
1814
APR–MAY
2000 GUINEAS
G1
1M
TURF
3YOC&F
SW
1809
APR–MAY
CHEVELEY PARK STAKES
G1
6F
TURF
2YOF
SW
1899
SEPT
DEWHURST STAKES
G1
7F
TURF
2YOC&F
SW
1875
OCT
FILLIES’ MILE
G1
1M
TURF
2YOF
SW
1973
SEPT
MIDDLE PARK STAKES
G1
6F
TURF
2YOC
SW
1866
OCT
SUN CHARIOT STAKES
G1
1M
TURF
3YO+F&M
SW
1966
SEPT
CHALLENGE STAKES
G2
7F
TURF
3YO+
SWP
1878
OCT
JOCKEY CLUB STAKES
G2
1M4F
TURF RH
4YO+
SWP
1894
APR–MAY
ROYAL LODGE STAKES
G2
1M
TURF
2YOC&G
SWP
1946
SEPT
Cambridgeshire Hcp
HCP
9F
TURF
3YO+
HCP
1839
SEPT
Cesarewitch Hcp
HCP
2M2F
TURF RH
3YO+
HCP
1839
OCT
FALMOUTH STAKES
G1
1M
TURF
3YO+F&M
SW
1911
JUL
JULY CUP
G1
6F
TURF
3YO+
WFA
1876
JUL
CHERRY HINTON STAKES
G2
6F
TURF
2YOF
SWP
1947
JUL
JULY STAKES
G2
6F
TURF
2YOC&G
SWP
1786
JUL
PRINCESS OF WALES’S STAKES G2
1M4F
TURF RH
3YO+
SWP
1894
JUL
SUPERLATIVE STAKES
7F
TURF
2YO
SWP
1986
JUL
JULY COURSE
G2
King Charles II is listed as winning the prestigious Newmarket Town Plate as a rider on two occasions in the mid 1660s, and remains the only monarch to have ridden a winner on the Flat. It is a record that may stand a while. Queen Anne rebuilt her house here and when the Jockey Club made Newmarket its permanent base in 1751, its status as the home of British racing was assured for all time. Newmarket is also England’s largest training centre with more than 3000 horses in work under the care of some of racing’s leading trainers. Newmarket contains two tracks.
THE TRACKS ROWLEY MILE COURSE The Rowley Mile is actually a straight course of a mile and a quarter. It is an extremely wide, enormously expansive course that can leave horses harshly exposed to the elements when conditions are inclement. It has to be said that it was laid out specifically as a test of the horse rather than with spectator comfort in mind, although exactly what spectator comfort entailed in the early 17th century is unclear. But several millions have been spent in recent years to remedy the problem and upgrade facilities at both tracks. The track is mainly flat until ‘The Bushes’ 2 furlongs out where the ground dips for a furlong before a stiff uphill rise for the last furlong home. A unique feature is the parallel strip of track that runs directly along the inside of the course proper that, in days of Great Racetracks Of The World 5
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At the gallops, Newmarket
yore, provided a spectacular sight as mounted spectators, connections, officials and carriages galloped in alongside the racers to the winning post. In its entirety, the Newmarket course is an irregular Y-shape configuration. Races longer than 10 furlongs take in the adjoining tail of the Y. Though rarely used, the optimum distance is 21/2 miles, providing a straight run of a mile before a very sharp right-hand bend into the straight. The Cesarewitch is run over a distance of 21/4 miles, so the race starts in Cambridgeshire and finishes in Sussex.
JULY COURSE Though it is adjacent to the Rowley Course, the July Course is an entirely different environment with lots of trees and leafy areas sheltering the paddock and surrounds. The beautiful old thatched-roof grandstands, restored at great cost, give the July meeting a delightful garden-party atmosphere with 6
patrons suitably attired for such an occasion. The straight course is a mile long. From the 6-furlong mark the ground descends gradually until the final furlong, where it rises sharply to the post. For races longer than 1 mile, the start is situated around the bend, catering for races up to 2 miles. This allows for a run of a mile until a sharp right-hand turn, similar to that of the Rowley Mile, is encountered 1 mile from home.
FEATURE RACES ROWLEY COURSE 1000 GUINEAS Notable winners include CHARLOTTE (1814), the inaugural winner; CRUCIFIX (1840) also took out the 2000 Guineas and The Oaks; VIRAGO (1854) won 10 of her 11 starts as a 3yo filly, including the Goodwood Cup and the Doncaster Cup; ACHIEVE MENT (1867) also won the Coronation Stakes and the St Leger in the same year; FORMOSA (1868); APOLOGY (1874) won the Triple Crown and
the Ascot Gold Cup; Oaks winner WHEEL OF FORTUNE (1879) had 11 starts for 10 wins; LA FLECHE (1892); SCEPTRE (1902); PRETTY POLLY (1904); TAGALIE (1912) won The Derby; SAUCY SUE (1925); SUN CHARIOT (1942); MELD (1955); BELLA PAOLA (1958) also won The Oaks, Prix Vermeille and Champion Stakes; PETITE ETOILE (1959); HULA DANCER (1963) also won the Champion Stakes as well as four Group 1s in France. HIGHCLERE (1974) was owned by Queen Elizabeth II. PEBBLES (1984) became the first British-trained winner of a Breeders’ Cup race when she claimed the Breeders’ Cup Turf in 1985; OH SO SHARP (1985) was the first Classic winner for Sheik Mohammed and went on to take out the fillies’ Triple Crown.Champion French filly MIESQUE (1987) became the first horse to win two Breeders’ Cup races with consecutive victories in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (1987, 88); KAZZIA (2002) also won The Oaks and the Flower Bowl Invitational at Belmont, dam of Dubai Sheema Classic winner Eastern Anthem.
2000 GUINEAS The 2000 Guineas is the first leg of the English Triple Crown for 3yos. It is run over a mile. The Derby and the St Leger make up the remaining legs. Fifteen horses have won the Triple Crown. WEST
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Uphill finish, Newmarket
AUSTRALIAN (1853), GLADIATEUR (1863), LORD LYON (1866), ORMONDE (1886), COMMON (1891), ISINGLASS (1893), GALTEE MORE (1897), FLYING FOX (1899), DIAMOND JUBILEE (1900), ROCK SAND (1903), POMMERN (1915), GAY CRUSADER (1917), GAINSBOROUGH (1918), BAHRAM (1935) and NIJINSKY (1970). Those to complete the 2000 Guineas–Derby double include CADLAND (1828), BAY MIDDLETON (1836), COTHERSTONE (1843), MACARONI (1863), SHOTOVER (1882), AYRSHIRE (1888), LADAS (1894), ST AMANT (1903), MINORU (1909), SUNSTAR (1911), MANNA (1925), CAMERONIAN (1931), BLUE PETER (1939), NIMBUS (1949), CREPELLO (1957), ROYAL PALACE (1967), SIR IVOR (1968), NASHWAN (1989), SEA THE STARS (2009), and CAMELOT (2012). Other notable winners include inaugural winner WIZARD (1809); SMOLENSKO (1813); seventime leading sire in Germany CHAMANT (1877); ST FRUSQUIN (1896) was twice leading sire in England; FORMOSA (1868); SCEPTRE (1902); DJEBEL (1940) won the Arc (1942) and went on to be leading sire in France on four occasions; BIG GAME (1942), owned by King George II; TUDOR MINSTREL (1947) was ranked equal second alongside Brigadier Gerard and only 1 point behind Sea Bird in Timeform’s
assessment of the greatest European horses of the 20th century; DANCING BRAVE (1986) won the Arc and the Eclipse in the same year; ROCK OF GIBRALTAR (2002), in the colours of Sir Alex Ferguson; and FRANKEL (2011).
CHEVELEY PARK STAKES Named after the Cheveley Park estate, it is a 6-furlong race for 2yo fillies. It has been won by a number of horses that went on to win the 1000 Guineas, including HUMBLE DUTY (1969), SAYYEDATI (1992), NATAGORA (2007) and SPECIAL DUTY (2009). Other notable winners include LUTETIA (1899) who won the inaugural running; champion PRETTY POLLY (1903); FIFINELLA (1915) won The Derby and The Oaks in 1916, both held at Newmarket; and TIFFIN (1928) was unbeaten at all eight runs and won a July Cup (1929).
DEWHURST STAKES The Dewhurst is a 7-furlong event for 2yos that has announced the arrival of many coming Classic winners. Several have progressed to win The Derby, including KISBER (1875); DONOVAN (1888), who also won the St Leger; LEMBERG (1909); HYPERION (1932); PINZA (1952); CREPELLO (1956);
GRUNDY (1974); THE MINSTREL (1976); GENEROUS (1990); DR DEVIOUS (1991); SIR PERCY (2005) and NEW APPROACH (2007). Those to have won the 2000 Guineas as well include CHAMANT (1876), Grand Prix de Paris winner PARADOX (1884), ST FRUSQUIN (1895), WOLLOW (1975), EL GRAN SENOR (1973) and ROCK OF GIBRALTAR (2001). Other notables include champions ORMONDE (1885), ROCK SAND (1902), NIJINSKY (1969), MILL REEF (1970); FRANKEL (2010); WHEEL OF FORTUNE (1878); ORME (1891) won 14 of 18 starts and sired Triple Crown winner Flying Fox. BAYARDO (1908) won 22 from 25 starts, including the Middle Park Stakes, Dewhurst Stakes (1908), Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Eclipse Stakes, Champion Stakes, St Leger (1909) and Ascot Gold Cup (1910). MIGOLI (1946) went on to win the Arc (1948), and SHAMARDAL (2004) won the Prix du Jockey Club the same year.
FILLIES’ MILE The Fillies’ Mile was transferred from Ascot in 2011. Established in 1973 and upgraded to Group 1 level in 1990, the race got off to a flying start when Queen Elizabeth II’s ESCORIAL won the first edition. Since then notables include fillies’ Triple Crown winner OH SO SHARP (1984) BOSRA SHAM Great Racetracks of The World 7
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(1995), who won the 1000 Guineas, Champion Stakes (1996); Oaks winner REAMS OF VERSE (1996); and top filly SOVIET SONG (2002).
MIDDLE PARK STAKES The Middle Park Stakes is a historic 2yo race over 6 furlongs. THE RAKE (1866) took out the inaugural running, and the race’s honour roll is littered with champions including ORME (1891), ISINGLASS (1892), LADAS (1893), ST FRUSQUIN (1895), GALTEE MORE (1896), PRETTY POLLY (1903), BAYARDO (1908), LEMBERG (1909), BAHRAM (1934), DJEBEL (1939), SUN CHARIOT (1941), and BRIGADIER GERARD (1970). TETRATEMA (1919); ORWELL (1931); OUR BABU (1954); RIGHT TACK (1968); KNOWN FACT (1979); and RODRIGO DE TRIANO (1991) would all win the 2000 Guineas; CALL BOY (1926) and DANTE (1944) both won The Derby; PETRARCH (1875) won the 2000 Guineas, St Leger (1876) and Ascot Gold Cup (1877); BUSYBODY (1883) won the 1000 Guineas and The Oaks 1884; MELTON (1884) won The Derby, St Leger (1885) and the Ascot Gold Cup (1886); MINTING (1885) also took out the Grand Prix de Paris that same year. ABERNANT (1948) was arguably the greatest British sprinter of the 20th century, winning both the July Cup and the Nunthorpe in 1949 and 1950 as well as two King George Stakes and a King’s Stand Stakes in a 17-start career yielding 14 wins. JOHANNESBURG (2001) was also successful in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Other winners notable in the breeding barn include CHAMANT (1876), PHARAMOND (1927), KHALED (1945), DIESIS (1982), ROYAL APPLAUSE (1995) and OASIS DREAM (2002).
SUN CHARIOT STAKES
Sun Chariot
In a 9-start career that produced eight wins, Sun Chariot won the fillies’ Triple Crown in 1942, defeating Derby-winner Watling Street in the St Leger. This is a mile race for fillies and mares. Winners include POPKINS (1970), dam of Cherry Hinton; TIME CHARTER (1982) followed up her Oaks win; and INDIAN SKIMMER (1988) won three Group 1s in France including the Prix de 8
Diane. In addition she won the Champion Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes; ATTRACTION (2004) won the 1000 Guineas; FREE GUEST (1984, 85) won it twice; and SAHPRESA (2009–11) made it a hat-trick.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE HANDICAP Established in 1839, the Cambridgeshire forms the first leg of the autumn handicap double. The Cesarewitch, also established in 1839, forms the second leg. Notable winners include ROSEBERRY (1876), the first horse to claim the Cambridgeshire–Cesarewitch double. Great champion ISONOMY (1878) won the Goodwood Cup, Ebor Hcp (1879), two Ascot Gold Cups (1879, 80) and was sire of Triple Crown winners Isinglass and Common. FOXHALL (1881) also won the Cesarewitch, Grand Prix de Paris (1881) and Ascot Gold Cup (1882). Champion French filly PLAISENTERIE (1888) took out the Cambridgeshire–Cesarewitch double; LA FLECHE (1892); POLYMELUS (1906) went on to become a great sire of Classic winners including Triple Crown winner Pommern and Fifinella; HALLING (1994) was a dual winner of both the Eclipse Stakes and the International Stakes. Six horses have been victorious twice: HACK LER’S PRIDE (1903, 04), CHRISTMAS DAISY (1909, 10), SHEROPE (1948, 49), PRINCE DE GALLES (1969, 70), BARONET (1978, 80) and RAMBO’S HALL (1989, 92).
CESAREWITCH HANDICAP Notable winners include FAUGH – A – BALLAGH (1844) and THE BARON (1845), who both earlier took out the St Leger. ROBERT THE DEVIL (1880) won the Grand Prix de Paris, St Leger (1880), Champion Stakes (1881), Ascot Gold Cup (1882); ST GATIEN (1884) would win The Derby (1884), Ascot Gold Cup (1885) and three Jockey Club Gold Cups (1884–86); SONINLAW (1915) won two Jockey Club Gold Cups (1914, 15); VINTAGE CROP (1992) won the Melbourne Cup (1993), Irish St Leger twice (1993, 94). DETROIT CITY (2006) won two Grade 1 hurdles.
winner of 27 races from 51 starts, he had the speed to win the July Cup and the following year won the Ascot Gold Cup (1883). He also won the Champion Stakes three times (18824) and the Coronation Cup twice (1882, 83). Other notable winners include MELTON (1886); ORMONDE (1887); SUNRIDGE (1903–05) won it three times in succession and was a dual winner of the King’s Stand (1903, 04). Back-to-back winners include SPANISH PRINCE (1912, 13); DIADEM (1919, 20); ABER NANT (1949, 50); and RIGHT BOY (1958, 59), who would also win two Nunthorpes (1958, 59) and two Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1958, 59). THATCH (1973); MOORESTYLE (1980); SHARPO (1982) also won the Nunthorpe three times in succession (1980–82); and mighty 3yo filly HABIBTI (1983) beat the older horses four times in a row in major Group 1 sprint races – the July Cup, Nunthorpe Stakes, Sprint Cup and Prix de l’Abbaye – to claim European Horse of the Year in 1983. An outstanding achievement for a 3yo filly, let alone a sprinter. ROYAL ACADEMY (1990) won a Breeders’ Cup Mile and is grandsire of Black Caviar; 3yo colt SAKHEE’S SECRET (2007); MARCHAND D’OR (2008); STARSPANGLEDBANNER (2010) arrived from Australia having won the Oakleigh Plate and Caulfield Guineas and claimed the Golden Jubilee as well. Lester Piggott rode the winner on ten occasions.
FALMOUTH STAKES Named after prominent 19th-century owner and breeder the 6th Viscount Falmouth, the Falmouth Stakes mile race for fillies and mares was established in 1911 and upgraded to Group 1 status in 2004. SOVIET SONG won the first two editions at Group 1 level and star mare GOLDIKOVA won in 2009. The 1984 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner ROYAL HEROINE won the race in 1983.
JULY COURSE JULY CUP The July Cup is the oldest of Britain’s famous sprint races and always has a major influence in deciding best European sprinter. SPRINGFIELD (1876, 77) bred by Queen Victoria, won the first two editions. TRISTAN (1882) was a remarkable horse. A
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Ascot Ascot, Berkshire, England, UK. www.ascot.co.uk
Q
ueen Anne was renowned as a keen devotee of all things equine, in particular hunting and racing. It was at her behest that the course was laid out on Ascot Heath in 1711 and her patronage of the meeting gave it instant popularity and prestige.To this day it is the only course owned by the Crown and it is the continued presence and support of the Royal Family that makes Royal Ascot unique and special.
The Royal Procession was founded by the ‘First Gentleman of Europe’, later King George IV, around 1820. Wooden posts at the course entrance were replaced by the Golden Gates in 1878. The daily arrival of the Queen and her entourage, which makes its way down the home straight by horse-drawn carriage, remains a highlight. Guests invited to the royal enclosure must adhere to a strict dress code of black or grey morning suits with top hats for the gentlemen and brimmed hats for the ladies.
Up until the 1960s divorcees were forbidden. The royal meeting now takes place over five days.
THE TRACK Ascot is a very undulating, triangularshaped, right-handed course with a circumference of 1m6f34yds. From the judge it is a very sharp
FEATURE RACES
right-hand turn out of the straight before a downhill run to the mile where the track levels out for the right-hand bend. Then it is a straight uphill run of about 3 furlongs before the right-hand bend into the uphill straight of just under 3 furlongs, considered to be a short run home in this part of the world. Races of up to a mile are run on a very wide, expansive straight course that is uphill and rises steadily the whole way except for slight dips for the first furlong and between the 5- and 4-furlong marks. The sheer width of the track can often see fields break up into three or four divisions. The second or ‘old mile’ start is on the round course. Starting at Swinley Bottom, it is a straight uphill run of 5 furlongs before the bend into the home straight.
ROYAL MEETING DAY 1:
QUEEN ANNE STAKES
G1
1M
TURF
4YO+
SW
1840 JUN
KING’S STAND STAKES
G1
5F
TURF
3YO+
SW
1860 JUN
ST JAMES’S PALACE STAKES
G1
1M
TURF
3YOC
SW
1834 JUN
PRINCE OF WALES’S STAKES
G1
1M2F
TURF
4YO+
SW
1862 JUN
ASCOT GOLD CUP
G1
2M4F
TURF
4YO+
SW
1802 JUN
CORONATION STAKES
G1
1M
TURF
3YOF
SW
1840 JUN
DIAMOND JUBILEE STAKES
G1
6F
TURF
3YO+
SW
1868 JUN
KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES
G1
1M4F
TURF
3YO+
SW
1951 JUL
CHAMPION STAKES
G1
1M2F
TURF
3YO+
SW
1877 OCT
DAY 5:
QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES
G1
1M
TURF
3YO+
SW
1955 OCT
DIAMOND JUBILEE STAKES
QUEEN ANNE STAKES, KING’S STAND STAKES, ST JAMES’S PALACE STAKES DAY 2: PRINCE OF WALES’S STAKES DAY 3: ASCOT GOLD CUP DAY 4: CORONATION STAKES
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Ascot
FEATURE RACES QUEEN ANNE STAKES The Queen Anne Stakes is always run as the first race of the Royal Ascot meeting, in honour of the course’s founder. It was upgraded to a Group 1 race in 2003. Since then winners include REFUSE TO BEND (2004), who won the National Stakes (2002), 2000 Guineas (2003) and the Eclipse Stakes (2004); Hong Kong Cup winner of the same year RAMONTI (2007); GOLDIKOVA (2010). FRANKEL (2012) produced a devastating display to crush his rivals by 11 lengths. His undefeated 14-start career left even the most hardened racing cynics in awe. Frankel was barely challenged and dispensed with all opposition in effortless fashion. Winner of the Dewhurst Stakes (2010), 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (2011), Lockinge Stakes, Queen Anne Stakes, International Stakes, Champion Stakes (2012). Earlier winners include FLAMBEAU (1840, 41) who won the first two runnings; WORCESTER (1895, 96) and DEAN SWIFT (1906, 07),were also dual victors; WHISK BROOM (1910), who later raced in America and became the first horse to win the New York Handicap Triple Crown (1912). Top 3yo COMRADE (1920) also won the Grand Prix de Paris and the Arc in 1920.
KING’S STAND STAKES Notable winners include SPRINGFIELD (1877), ABERNANT (1949), RIGHT BOY (1957), 10
GODSWALK (1977) and HABIBTI (1984). Several horses have won it twice: WOOLTHORPE (1895, 97), KILCOCK (1898, 99), SUNDRIDGE (1903, 04), FORESIGHT (1908, 09), HORNET’S BEAUTY (1911, 13), DIADEM (1919, 20), GOLDEN BOSS (1923, 24), GOLD BRIDGE (1933, 34), ELBIO (1991, 93) and EQUIANO (2008, 10). LAST TYCOON (1986) would also win the Nunthorpe and the Breeders’ Cup Mile that season and became a leading sire in Australia. SHEIK ALBADOU (1992) followed up his wins in the Nunthorpe and Breeders’ Cup Sprint the previous year and would also win the Sprint Cup. LOCH SONG (1994) was European Horse of the Year in 1993. Her 15 career wins included two wins in the Prix de l’Abbaye. CHOISIR (2003) led the Aussie invasion, taking the Ascot sprint double with victory in the Golden Jubilee four days later. He was followed by compatriots TAKEOVER TARGET (2006), MISS ANDRETTI (2007) and SCENIC BLAST (2009).
ST JAMES’S PALACE STAKES Great early winners included ORMONDE (1886), COMMON (1891), SCEPTRE (1902), ROCK SAND (1903) and BAHRAM (1935). RAYON D’OR (1879) won 17 races including the St Leger (1879) and the Prix du Cadran (1880). Derby winners include PLENIPOTENTIARY (1834); DANIEL O’ROURKE (1852); HERMIT (1867), who would be leading sire in Great Britain for seven consecutive years between 1880 and 1886; BEND OR (1880); IROQUOIS (1881), who was the first US-bred horse to win The Derby; MINORU
(1909); LEMBERG (1910); GRAND PARADE (1919); CAPTAIN CUTTLE (1922); CORO NACH (1926); and CAMERONIAN (1931). 2000 Guineas winners include GANG FORWARD (1873), SLIEVE GALLION (1907), TUDOR MINSTREL (1947), PALESTINE (1950), RIGHT TACK (1969) and ROCK OF GIBRALTAR (2002). Others notables include BRIGADIER GERARD (1971), KRIS (1979), MARJU (1991), GIANT’S CAUSEWAY (2000), SHAMARDAL (2005) and FRANKEL (2011).
PRINCE OF WALES’S STAKES Those to also win The Derby include IROQUOIS (1881), DONOVAN (1889), GALTEE MORE (1897), JEDDAH (1898), ARD PATRICK (1903), SANSOVINO (1924), HYPERION (1933) and ROYAL PALACE (1968). Other notables include PETRARCH (1876), WHEEL OF FORTUNE (1879), BAYARDO (1909); HELIOPOLIS (1939) would twice be leading sire in North America; and BRIGADIER GERARD (1972). Back-to-back winners include CONNAUGHT (1969, 70), MTOTO (1987, 88), who also won the Eclipse in both of those years, and MUHTARRAM (1994, 95). BOSRA SHAM (1997); DUBAI MILLENNIUM (2000); FANTASTIC LIGHT (2001) followed up a year in which he won the Dubai Sheema Classic, Man O’ War Stakes at Belmont and the Hong Kong Cup by winning this race as well as the Tattersalls Gold
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Cup, Irish Champion Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Turf; GRANDERA (2002) would win the Singapore International Cup (2002); NAYEF (2003) also won the Dubai Sheema Classic and International Stakes (2002); OUIJA BOARD (2006); German star MANDURO (2007) would be the world’s top-rated horse that year; Prix du Jockey Club winner VISION D’ETAT (2009) won the Hong Kong Cup and the Prix Ganay; and SO YOU THINK (2012) was a ten-time Group 1 winner, including two Cox Plates (2009, 10), the Eclipse Stakes (2011), Irish Champion Stakes (2011) and two Tattersalls Gold Cups (2011, 12).
ASCOT GOLD CUP Many of the greats of the turf have won the race, including THE FLYING DUTCHMAN (1850), WEST AUSTRALIAN (1854), GLADIATEUR (1866), APOLOGY (1876), ST SIMON (1884), LA FLECHE (1894), ISINGLASS (1895), BAYARDO (1910), GAY CRUSADER (1917) and GAINSBOROUGH (1918). Many Derby winners have been successful: TEDDINGTON (1853), THORMANBY (1861), BLUE GOWN (1868), CREMORNE (1873), DONCASTER (1875), ST GATIEN (1885), PERSIMMON (1897), SOLARIO (1926), OWEN TUDOR (1942) and OCEAN SWELL (1944). The 2000 Guineas winners include GLENCOE (1835) and GREY MOMUS (1838). BEESWING (1842) was one of the all-time great mares with 51 wins from 63 starts, including six Newcastle Gold Cups and four Doncaster Cups; QUASHED (1936) won the Oaks the previous year; ALYCIDON (1949); LEVMOSS (1969) also won that year’s Arc. WESTERNER (2005) scored consecutive wins in both the Prix du Cadran and the Prix Royal-Oak in 2003 and 2004. Many have won it twice including ANTICI PATION (1816, 19), BIZARRE (1824, 25), TOUCHSTONE (1836, 37), THE EMPEROR (1844, 45), THE HERO (1847, 48), FISHERMAN (1858, 59), ISONOMY (1879, 80), THE WHITE KNIGHT (1907, 08), PRINCE PALATINE (1912, 13), INVERSHIN (1928, 29), TRIMDON (1931, 32), FLYING CHARLIE (1965, 66), LE MOSS (1979, 80), ARDROSS (1981, 82), GILDORAN (1984, 85), SADEEM (1988, 89), DRUM TAPS (1992, 93), KAYF TARA (1998, 2000) and ROYAL REBEL (2001, 02). The mighty SAGARO (1975–77) won it three times, but nothing can match the deeds of YEATS (2006–09), who recorded four consecutive wins to eclipse all others in the 200-year-old race.
CORONATION STAKES The Coronation Stakes is a mile race for 3yo fillies. Notables include 1000 Guineas winners
Royal procession at Ascot
ACHIEVEMENT (1867), FESTOON (1954), HUMBLE DUTY (1970), RUSSIAN RHYTHM (2003), ATTRACTION (2004) and GHANATI (2009). Great Triple Crown winners include APOLOGY (1874), PRETTY POLLY (1904) and MELD (1955); Oaks winner SAUCY SUE (1925); Eclipse winner KOOYONGA (1991); RIDGEWOOD PEARL (1995), who won the Irish 1000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes, Prix de Moulin and the Breeders Cup Mile (1995) to claim European Horse of the Year honours. BANKS HILL (2001) also won the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (2001) and the Prix Jacques Le Marois (2002).
DIAMOND JUBILEE STAKES The Diamond Jubilee has been known by a number other names over the years but has remained a time-honoured sprint race. It was elevated to Group 1 status in 2002 and always attracts a top-class field of international entrants. Notable winners include PRINCE CHARLIE (1872–74), who recorded the only hat-trick; backto-back winners LOWLANDER (1875, 76), HORNET’S BEAUTY (1913, 14), HAMLET (1923, 24) and RIGHT BOY (1958, 59). Super sire DANEHILL (1989), ROYAL APPLAUSE (1997), CHOISIR (2003); CAPE OF GOOD HOPE (2005) would provide the first winner in the race for Hong Kong on his way to being inaugural winner of the Global Sprint Challenge; BLACK CAVIAR (2012). A new feature at Ascot has been the establishment of
Champions Day. Partly modelled as England’s answer to the Breeders’ Cup, it was instituted in 2011 and centred around the Champion Stakes, with the intention to eventually build the meeting into an exclusively Group 1 race card. On face value it would seem like an interesting choice to run such a card in October when inclement weather is generally the order of the day. Some purists consider it a triumph of marketing over horse sense but organisers were blessed for the inaugural meeting with fine conditions and the appearance of superstar Frankel. As with any innovation, especially one that breaks with tradition, there are bound to be critics. But the elements aside, based on just the race card alone, there is more than enough fire power to ensure that it will immediately become a meeting of great prestige. And one would expect no less from Ascot.
CHAMPION STAKES Notable winners include SPRINGFIELD (1877), RAYON D’OR (1879), ROBERT THE DEVIL (1880), BEND OR (1881), three-time winner TRISTAN (1882–84), ORMONDE (1886), LA FLECHE (1894), SCEPTRE (1903), PRETTY POLLY (1905), BAYARDO (1909), GAY CRUSADER (1917), CAMERONIAN (1932), PETITE ETOILE (1959) and PEBBLES (1985). Dual winners include VELASQUEZ (1897, 98), LEMBERG (1910, 11), ORPHEUS (1920, 21), FAIRWAY (1928, 29), WYCHWOOD ABBOT (1935, 36), HIPPIUS (1940, 41), DYNAMITER (1951, 52), BRIGADIER GERARD (1971, 72), Great Racetracks of The World 11
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Frankie Dettori performs his trademark leap from Mark of Esteem on his way to a perfect seven.
TRIPTYCH (1986, 87) and TWICE OVER (2009, 10). FLARES (1937) won the Ascot Gold Cup (1938); NASRULLAH (1943) would be a five-time champion sire in the USA and sire of the legendary Northern Dancer; MIGOLI (1947) won the Arc. Oaks winners include BELLA PAOLA (1958) and TIME CHARTER (1982). HULA DANCER (1963) and FLYING WATER (1977) were winners of the 1000 Guineas; PALACE MUSIC (1984), sire of Cigar; HATOOF (1993) won G1 races in four countries including the 1000 Guineas, EP Taylor Stakes, the Prix de l’Opera (1992) and the Beverly D Stakes (1994). PILSUDSKI (1997) won the Breeders’ Cup Turf (1996) and the Japan Cup (1997); KALANISI (2000) also won the Breeders’ Cup Turf (2000); NAYEF (2001) took out the Dubai Sheema Classic (2002); DAVID JUNIOR (2005) won the Dubai Duty Free (2006); PRIDE (2006) won the Hong Kong Cup the same year; and NEW APPROACH (2008) also won The Derby.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES
Yeats
First run in 1955, the race was upgraded to Group 1 status in 1987. Since then it has been won by DUBAI MILLENNIUM (1999) and FRANKEL (2011). Dual winners include BRIGADIER GERARD (1971, 72) and ROSE BOWL (1975, 76). The 2000 Guineas winners include KNOWN FACT (1980), SHADEED (1985), MARK OF ESTEEM (1996) and GEORGE WASHINGTON (2006); FALBRAV (2003) was a winner in five countries, taking out the Prix d’Ispahan, Eclipse Stakes, International Stakes, Japan Cup and Hong Kong Cup all in that year; STARCRAFT (2005) won the Australian Derby (2004) and the Prix du Moulin (2005); RAMONTI (2007) also won the Queen Anne Stakes and the Hong Kong Cup (2007); RAVEN’S PASS (2008) also took out the Breeders’ Cup Classic Mile (2008). Willie Carson rode the winner on eight occasions.
Brown Jack
KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES Run over the classic distance of a mile and a half, this is Britain’s premier open weight-for-age contest. The history of the race is strewn with Derby winners including TULYAR (1952), PINZA (1953), ROYAL PALACE (1968), NIJINSKY (1970), MILL REEF (1971), THE MINSTREL (1977), TROY (1979), SHERGAR (1981), TEENOSO (1984), REFERENCE POINT (1987), NASHWAN (1989), GENEROUS (1991), LAMTARRA (1995) and GALILEO (2001). Arc winners to have won the race include RIBOT (1956), BALLYMOSS (1958), MILL REEF (1971), 12
DANCING BRAVE (1986), noted sire MONTJEU (2000), HURRICANE RUN (2006), DYLAN THOMAS (2007) and DANEDREAM (2012). Oaks winners include PAWNEESE (1976) and TIME CHARTER (1983). RIGHT ROYAL (1961) was a five-time Group 1 winner in France; MATCH (1962) won the Washington DC International, RAGUSA (1963) was a winner of the Irish Derby, St Leger (1963) and the Eclipse (1964). Star mare DAHLIA (1973, 74) was a back-to-back winner and is in the US Hall of Fame, having won the Prix Saint Alary, Irish Oaks (1973), Canadian International (1974), the International Stakes twice (1974, 75), Washington DC International (1975) and the Charles Whittingham Hcp (1976). SWAIN (1997, 98) also won it twice. The battle virtually all of the way down the home straight between GRUNDY (1975) and Bustino is regarded as an all-time classic. Enhanced by the fact that Dahlia – winner of the previous two editions – was well beaten into third. Other notable winners include BRIGADIER GERARD (1972); KALAGLOW (1982), who would sire 1994 Melbourne Cup winner Jeune; MTOTO (1988) was twice a winner of both the Eclipse and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (1987, 1988); DAYLAMI (1999); and CONDUIT (2009), who was a dual winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf (2008, 09).
While there have been many great riding achievements at Ascot, none can rival the feat of Frankie Dettori who rode every winner on the seven-race card on 28 September 1996. In doing so he established himself as one of the great riders of all time. His performance that day sent bookies to the wall and many £1 accumulator punters into early retirement. Dettori’s seventh winner, Fujiyama Crest, staved off all rivals for the entire length of the Ascot straight to cap off the remarkable performance. Dettori promptly purchased the horse as a pet to live out its days at his property.
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York York, North Yorkshire, England, UK. www.yorkracecourse.co.uk
Y
ork is one of the England’s most historic racing centres. Events date back to Tudor times when racing was conducted near the city in the Forest of Galtres and evidence exists of a race for a silver bell as long ago as 1530.
Various courses were used in the area over the next two centuries before racing settled at its current home on Knavesmire in 1731, where it would thrive. Knavesmire gained notoriety as a venue for public hangings during this period including, most notably, that of infamous highwayman Dick Turpin in 1739. During the 18th century the best horses in the surrounding area would gather for the Yorkshire meeting, establishing York as the northern equivalent of Newmarket in the south.
Highlight here is the four-day Ebor Festival in August, which features the International Stakes, Nunthorpe Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks. The Ebor, run on the final day, is the richest staying handicap race in Europe. The Ebor meeting has an entirely different racing atmosphere to most across England. Yorkshire has a long and proud racing tradition and its inhabitants are knowledgeable racing people. Also a source of pride is the local hospitality with a hard-earned
FEATURE RACES INTERNATIONAL STAKES
G1
1M2F88Y
TURF
3YO+
SW
1972
AUG
NUNTHORPE STAKES
G1
5F
TURF
2YO+
SW
1922
AUG
YORKSHIRE OAKS
G1
1M4F
TURF
3YO+F&M
SW
1849
AUG
DANTE STAKES
G2
1M2F88Y
TURF
3YO
SWP
1958
MAY
DUKE OF YORK STAKES
G2
6F
TURF
3YO+
SWP
1968
MAY
GIMCRACK STAKES
G2
6F
TURF
2YO
SWP
1846
AUG
GREAT VOLTIGEUR STAKES
G2
1M4F
TURF
3YO C&G
SWP
1950
AUG
LONSDALE CUP
G2
2M88Y
TURF
3YO+
SWP
1980
AUG
LOWTHER STAKES
G2
6F
TURF
2YOF
SWP
1946
AUG
MIDDLETON STAKES
G2
1M2F88Y
TURF
4YO+F&M
SWP
1988
MAY
YORKSHIRE CUP
G2
1M6F
TURF
4YO+
SWP
1927
MAY
YORK STAKES
G2
1M2F88Y
TURF
3YO+
SWP
2006
JULY
Ebor hcp
HCP
14f
TURF
3YO+
HCP
1843 AUG
reputation for great food and drink at reasonable prices. The grandstand is an outstanding new facility.
THE TRACK York is a left-handed track on a flat piece of land on the Tadcaster Road. It was configured in a rough horseshoe shape until 2005 when it was remodelled to host the Royal Meeting that year while a new grandstand was built at Ascot. In order to stage the Ascot Gold Cup the course was modified and the ends of the track joined to form a circle so that the race could be run over the traditional distance of 21/2 miles. Races up to 6 furlongs are held on the straight course. The 7-furlong start is from a spur that joins the straight course. The 2-mile start was formerly at the bottom of the course, with a long, straight run of just over 7 furlongs before a left turn and a run of 3 furlongs to the home bend. The home straight is a run in of about 4 furlongs. The alterations to the track in 2005 made it possible to run 2-mile races on the new round course. Due to its proximity to the Ouse River the surrounding water table is very high, so just a small amount of rain can see the track affected quite badly.
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FEATURE RACES EBOR HANDICAP First run in 1843 notable winners include THE HERO (1849) and ISONOMY (1879), who both won dual Ascot Gold Cups; LILY AGNES (1875) won 21 races and was the dam of Ormonde; FLINT JACK (1922, 23) is the only dual winner. Legendary BROWN JACK (1931) won a staggering six Queen Alexandra Stakes at Ascot (1929–34), the Goodwood Cup, Doncaster Cup (1930) and Chester Cup (1931) as well as a Champion Hurdle (1928). The great hurdler SEA PIGEON (1979), twice won the Fighting Fifth Hurdle (1978, 80) and the Champion Hurdle (1980, 81) as well as two Chester Cups (1977, 78); JUPITER ISLAND (1983) made it a record five wins for Lester Piggott and took out the Japan Cup (1986); FURTHER FLIGHT (1990), fivetime winner of the Jockey Club Cup, now the British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 3, 2 miles) then run at Newmarket (1991–95); SERGEANT CECIL (2005); and ALL THE GOOD (2008), who provided the Godolphin stable with its first major Australian winner when it took out the Caulfield Cup (2008). 14
INTERNATIONAL STAKES
NUNTHORPE STAKES
First run in 1972 and also known as the Juddmonte International, the International Stakes quickly forged a history as a race for champions. Three horses have won the race twice: DAHLIA (1974, 75), EZZOUD (1993, 94) and HALLING (1995, 96). Other notable winners include ROBERTO (1972); WOLLOW (1976), who also won the 2000 Guineas and the Eclipse (1976); TROY (1979); ASSERT (1982) won the Prix du Jockey Club, Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes that year; leading sire CAER LEON (1983); TRIPTYCH (1987); RODRIGO DE TRIANO (1992); SINGSPIEL (1997); ROYAL ANTHEM (1999), who won the Canadian International (1998) and Gulfstream Park Turf Hcp (2000); GIANT’S CAUSEWAY (2000); SAHKEE (2001); NAYEF (2002); FALBRAV (2003); SULAMANI (2004) also won the Prix du Jockey Club (2002), Dubai Sheema Classic, Arlington Million (2003) and the Canadian International (2004); ELECTROCU TIONIST (2005); AUTHORIZED (2007); SEA THE STARS (2009) and FRANKEL (2012).
One of Britain’s top sprint races, staged on the straight 5-furlong course. Two horses have won the race three times: TAG END (1928–30) and SHARPO (1980–82). Dual winners include HIGHBORN (1926, 27), LINKLATER (1942, 43), ABERNANT (1949, 50), ROYAL SERENADE (1951, 52), RIGHT BOY (1958, 59) and BORDERLESCOTT (2008, 09). Other top sprinters include MUMTAZ MAHAL (1924), grand dam of Nasrullah; AHONOORA (1979); HABIBTI (1983); LAST TYCOON (1986), DAYJUR (1990), winner of the King’s Stand, Sprint Cup and Prix de l’Abbaye that season; SHEIK ALBADOU (1991); LOCHSONG (1993), PIVOTAL (1993) and ORTENSIA (2012).
YORKSHIRE OAKS First run in 1849, early winners include VIRAGO (1854), who won 10 of 11 starts as a 3yo filly, taking the 1000 Guineas, Goodwood Cup, Doncaster Cup, and the Nassau Stakes; JANETTE (1878), who won 17 from 23 starts, with victory also in The Oaks, St Leger and Champion Stakes that season. Other Oaks
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Frankel blitzes his rivals in the International Stakes
winners include WHEEL OF FORTUNE (1879), PETITE ETOILE (1959), LUPE (1970), MYSTE RIOUS (1973), SUN PRINCESS (1983), USER FRIENDLY (1992), RAMRUMA (1999) and ALEXANDROVA (2006). DAR RE MI (2009) won a Dubai Sheema Classic (2010); MIDDAY (2010) made it a record hat-trick of wins in the Nassau Stakes (2009–11) and also won the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (2009) and the Prix Vermeille (2010).
GIMCRACK STAKES
Frankel returns to scale
Named after the mighty Gimcrack, a tiny grey who won 27 of his 36 starts over a seven-year period beginning in the mid 1760s, and a very much beloved horse of the era. He also loans his name to the Gimcrack Club. Famous for its speeches, it is an ancient club of eminent Yorkshire racing men formed in 1767. Established in 1846, the race is over 6 furlongs for 2yo colts and geldings. Currently rated at Group 2, it is a famous race and local authorities are lobbying strongly for an upgrade to the elite level. Notable winners include BLINK BONNY (1856), SPRINGFIELD (1875), BAHRAM (1934), BLACK TARQUIN (1947), MILL REEF (1970), TURTLE ISLAND (1993), ROYAL APPLAUSE (1995) and ROCK OF GIBRALTAR (2001).
History records that Gimcrack did not win a race at York.
THE GREAT MATCH Yorkshire-bred and trained The Flying Dutchman was the dominant horse of his era with an unbeaten record of 13 starts including the Derby and St Leger the previous year. When he went to post for the Doncaster Cup of 1850 there was only one rival in opposition. Three-year-old Voltigeur, also bred and trained in Yorkshire and a winner of the 1850 Derby and St Leger. In a major upset,Voltigeur stalked his heavily favoured rival and proved too strong at the finish. A re-match between the two horses at their home track was promptly set down for 13 May 1851. While matches were common during the time, it was rare for the two great champions of an era to clash head to head. Local fervour and national interest were inspired. In a reverse of the tactics from Doncaster,Voltigeur was sent into the lead. The Flying Dutchman was able to wear him down for a victory of a ‘short length’ to avenge his only career loss.Voltigeur lost no admirers in defeat and the two are permanently linked in the folklore of racing.
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Doncaster Leger Way, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England, UK. www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
D
oncaster is one of the oldest venues for thoroughbred contests and evidence of racing can be traced back to at least 1595.
Local authorities threatened to close down racing in the early 17th century due to unruly crowd behaviour, but the will of the public prevailed to the extent that races proceeded with the backing of the same corporation that had attempted to curtail it. Racing on the Town Moor began in 1710 and the first September meeting ran in 1751. It has been a permanent fixture on the racing calendar ever since.
THE TRACK The left-handed track is basically flat and shaped like an ice-cream cone, with a hairpin left turn out of the straight before a long straight run of about a mile. A sweeping bend of 5 furlongs then turns all of the way back onto the home straight. The run home is just under 5 furlongs.
Races up to a mile are conducted on the straight course. There is also a mile start from a chute on the round course.
FEATURE RACES ST LEGER STAKES Named after Lieutenant General Anthony St Leger, who conceived the race in 1776. At that time the racing of 3yos was not common practice and the idea was considered quite controversial. But the race was an obvious success and no doubt played a key role in the establishment of both The Oaks and The Derby within the next four years. The St Leger is the world’s oldest Classic race. The Triple Crown in the United Kingdom is not all consuming as it is in the United States and even attempts at the third leg have become rare due to the distance range and the fact that there are now so many more valuable races for the top 3yos to enter. Despite this, the St Leger is currently experiencing a renaissance after a period of stagnation. The race was under scrutiny
FEATURE RACES
16
ST LEGER STAKES
G1
1M6F132Y
TURF
3YOC&F
SW
1776 SEPT
RACING POST TROPHY
G1
8F
TURF
2YOC&F
SW
1961 OCT
CHAMPAGNE STAKES
G2
7F
TURF
2YOC&G
SWP
1823 SEPT
DONCASTER CUP
G2
2M2F
TURF
3YO+
SWP
1766 SEPT
FLYING CHILDERS STAKES
G2
5F
TURF
2YO
SWP
1967 SEPT
MAY HILL STAKES
G2
1M
TURF
2YOF
SWP
1976 SEPT
PARK HILL STAKES
G2
1M6F132Y
TURF
3YO+F&M
SWP
1839 SEPT
PARK STAKES
G2
7F
TURF
3YO+
SWP
1978 SEPT
during the 1990s, but calls to shorten the distance were properly resisted and a revival has ensued. The winner of the inaugural race was ALLA BACULIA (1776), owned by the then Prime Minister Lord Rockingham. Many horses have brought off the Derby–St Leger double including CHAMPION (1800), SURPLICE (1848), THE FLYING DUTCHMAN (1849), VOLTI GEUR (1850), BLAIR ATHOL (1864), SILVIO (1877), IROQUOIS (1881), MELTON (1885), DONOVAN (1889), SIR VISTO (1895), SOLARIO (1925), CORONACH (1926), TRIGO (1929), HYPERION (1933), WINDSOR LAD (1934), AIRBORNE (1946), TULYAR (1952), NEVER SAY DIE (1954), ST PADDY (1960) and REFERENCE POINT (1987). Oaks–St Leger winners include QUEEN OF TRUMPS (1835), JANNETTE (1878), Her Majesty’s DUNFERMLINE (1977), SUN PRINCESS (1983) and USER FRIENDLY (1992). Ascot Gold Cup winners include MEMNON (1825), TOUCHSTONE (1834), ROBERT THE DEVIL (1880), LA FLECHE (1892), BAYARDO (1909), PRINCE PALATINE (1911) and CLASSIC CLICHÉ (1995). Winners of the Fillies’ Triple Crown are FORMOSA (1868), HANNAH (1871), APOLOGY (1874), LA FLECHE (1892), SCEPTRE (1902), PRETTY POLLY (1904), SUN CHARIOT (1942), MELD (1955) and OH SO SHARP (1985). ELIS (1836) was owned by leading racing man of the time Lord George Bentinck, who was renowned as a fearless gambler – especially when it came to his own horses, privately trained out of his stables at Goodwood. Elis was long odds leading up to the St Leger and was not expected to run. In those times, it would take more than a fortnight to walk a horse from Goodwood to Doncaster, so bookmakers were surprised and suspicious when Lord George arrived in London only ten days before the race wanting to bet heavily on his horse at 40 to 1. Having been reliably informed that Elis was indeed still tucked away in his Goodwood stable, bookies accepted the wager. Meanwhile, Bentinck had commissioned the construction of a horse box – one of
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.
the first ever. This box was large enough to carry two horses and padded with mattresses inside. Drawn by six horses, the box with Elis inside made the journey to Doncaster in just three days. Bentinck pulled off his plunge and in so doing started a revolution in horse transportation. Other notables include 2000 Guineas winners SIR TATTON SYKES (1846), STOCKWELL (1852) and PETRARCH (1876); iron horse CALLER OU (1861) recorded 52 wins from 101 starts; HURRY ON (1916) would become a leading sire; the Aga Khan’s FIRDOUSSI (1932) won in a year when he owned four of the first five past the post; SNURGE (1990) won a Canadian International (1992) as did MUTAFAWEQ (1999); MOONAX (1994) also won the French version, the Prix Royal-Oak; SCORPION (2005) won the Grand Prix de Paris (2005) and the Coronation Cup (2007); CONDUIT (2008) would give Sir Michael Stoute a long overdue victory in the only English Classic to have previously eluded him; and MASTERY (2009). Trainer John Scott had 16 wins in the race.
RACING POST TROPHY First run in 1961, this mile race for 2yos has been the launching pad for many top horses. Notables include Derby winners REFERENCE POINT (1986), HIGH CHAPARRAL (2001), MOTIVATOR (2004), AUTHORIZED (2006) and CAMELOT (2011).
Oaks winner NOBLESSE (1962); St Leger winner RIBOCCO (1966); Arc winner VAGUELY NOBLE (1967); GREEN DANCER (1974), who would win the Poule d’Essai des Poulains; KING’S THEATRE (1993) also took out the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1994); CELTIC SWING (1994) won the Prix du Jockey Club; and ST NICHOLAS ABBEY (2009).
Nijinksy wins the Triple Crown
DONCASTER CUP With a history dating back to 1766, the Doncaster Cup boasts a long list of champion winners. Great mare BEESWING (1837, 40–42) holds the benchmark with four wins in the race. DOUBLE TRIGGER (1995, 96, 98) won it three times; HAMBLETO NIAN (1795, 96) won 18 of 19 starts including a St Leger (1795); TOUCHSTONE (1835, 36) won a St Leger (1834) and two Ascot Gold Cups (1836, 37). Other great winners include THE HERO (1846); CANEZOU (1849); VOLTIGEUR (1850) upset The Flying Dutchman; TEDDINGTON (1852); KETTLEDRUM (1861); ACHIEVEMENT (1867); LILY AGNES (1874); ISONOMY (1879); THE BARD (1886); LEMBERG (1911); PRINCE PALATINE (1912); BROWN JACK (1930); MARSYAS (1946); ALYCIDON (1949); dual Ascot Gold winner LE MOSS (1979, 80) won it twice; ARDROSS (1982); PERSIAN PUNCH (2003); and dual winner MILLENARY (2004, 05) also won the St Leger (2000).
Oh So Sharp
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Sandown Park Esher, Surrey, England, UK. www.sandown.co.uk
S
andown Park was laid out for the first meeting by Sir Wilfred Brett, General Owen Williams and his brother Hwfa Williams in 1875.The latter was prominent in the court of King Edward VII and was chairman and clerk of the course for nearly 50 years.
Sandown until the winning post, as horses can tire quickly in the punishing final stages.
King Edward, then Prince of Wales, gave his support and attended the second meeting where he presented a cup. His Royal Highness won his first flat race with filly Counterpane at Sandown and would win the Eclipse Stakes twice, with his Derby winners Persimmon and Diamond Jubilee. Royal patronage at Sandown Park has continued, and it was the Queen Mother’s favourite course. She regularly attended meetings right up until her death at 102. There was no more popular winner than when her horse Special Cargo scored a thrilling last stride victory in the 1984 Whitbread Gold Cup. A statue erected in her honour now greets visitors to the course. Sandown Park was the first enclosed or park course, which was a major break with tradition. Until 1875 the public could access every track for free, but fenced-in Sandown made it compulsory for race-goers there
Eclipse made his racetrack debut as a 5yo at his home track at Epsom on 2 May 1769 and famously won by so far that his three rivals were listed as unplaced. From that time his legend has continued to grow. Undefeated at every appearance in heat or race, he strung together a series of King’s Plate wins and is reputed to have defeated his opposition with ease on all occasions. By the end of his 6yo season he had proved so superior to his contemporaries that none would oppose or put up a subscription to compete against him. After a string of walkover victories there was little option but to retire Eclipse to stud, where he met with quite some success. Himself a great, great-grandson of the Darley Arabian, Eclipse would sire three of the first five Derby winners – over both distances. Largely through his sons Pot-8-os and King Fergus, Eclipse’s influence can now be found in the bloodlines of nearly every thoroughbred in the world. The race itself is a weight-for-age contest over a mile and a quarter for 3yos and up, and is one of Britain’s premier open events. Derby winners include AYRSHIRE (1889), PERSIMMON (1897), FLYING FOX (1899), DIAMOND JUBILEE (1900), ARD PATRICK (1903), LEMBERG (1910), CORONACH (1926), WINDSOR LAD (1935), BLUE PETER (1939), TULYAR (1952), ST PADDY (1961), ROYAL PALACE (1968), MILL REEF (1971) and NASHWAN (1989). Arc winners include MIGOLI (1947), BALLYMOSS (1958), STAR APPEAL (1975) and DANCING BRAVE (1986). Other greats on the honour roll include BAYARDO (1909), PRINCE PALATINE (1912), dual Champion Stakes winner FAIRWAY (1928), RAGUSA (1964), BRIGADIER GERARD (1972), SADLER’S WELLS (1984), PEBBLES (1985),
to pay admittance. Still, Sandown Park is a tremendously popular venue with good amenities making it very user friendly.
THE TRACK A right-handed rectangular-shaped course with a circumference of about 1m5f. From the winning post it is a very short run to an incline on the turn out of the back straight, then downhill to the turn into the long, flat back straight of 5 furlongs. A short bend of about a hundred yards leads to the home straight. The 41/2 furlong run in is uphill all the way and then kicks up again for the final furlong, providing the toughest run home on any course in Britain. A unique feature is the separate 5-furlong straight track that runs parallel to the main straight across the centre of the course. Hold on to all tickets as no race is over at
FEATURE RACES
18
ECLIPSE STAKES
G1
1M2F7Y
TURF
3YO+,
WFA
1886
JUL
SANDOWN MILE
G2
1M14Y
TURF
4YO+,
SWP
1985
APR
BRIGADIER GERARD STAKES
G3
1M2F7Y
TURF
4YO+
SWP
1953
MAY
HENRY II STAKES
G3
2M78Y
TURF
4YO+
SWP
1963
MAY
SANDOWN CLASS TRIAL
G3
1M2F7Y
TURF
3YO
SWP
1953
APR
FEATURE RACE ECLIPSE STAKES
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Eclipse
PILSUDSKI (1997), DAYLAMI (1998), GIANT’S CAUSEWAY (2000), FALBRAV (2003), DAVID JUNIOR (2006), SEA THE STARS (2009) and SO YOU THINK (2011). Sandown Park also stages four Grade 1 jumps events: Henry VII Novice Chase, Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase, Tingle Creek Chase and the Tolworth Hurdle. The annual jumps highlight is the Bet365 Gold Cup Chase (Grade 3), formerly known as the Whitbread Gold Cup.
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Goodwood Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex, England, UK. www.goodwood.com
L
ocated at beautiful Sussex Downs, on a sunny day there is no more picturesque track anywhere in England.
The course was laid out by the third Duke of Richmond on his own private land in April 1801 and a three-day meeting was held in April the following year. The Glorious Goodwood meeting, now extended to five days, is held every July and still holds pride of place. Currently there is also a three-day meeting in May, a two-day meeting in August, and various other singleday fixtures. All feature races are run during the carnival in July–August.
THE TRACK Goodwood has a very unusual track design. The track is quite narrow and extremely tricky as it runs left- and right-handed. The
course is basically a reverse L shape with a loop at the top. Races over 21/2 miles start in front of the stand. It is a flip start, no barrier stalls. It is a run up the straight of about 21/2 furlongs, away from the stands and the winning post, before turning left. The riders then edge over to the opposite side of the course for a straight run of under half a mile before turning very sharply right at the mile and a half, onto the loop and sharp right again. It is then a straight run back to the right-hand home turn. Here it is mostly uphill from about the mile until the 31/2 furlong mark. There are two home bends. The bottom bend gives a run home of about 21/2 furlongs whereas the top bend provides for a straight run home of 31/2 furlongs.
FEATURE RACES
20
With the twists and turns inherent in the course design, luck can be a major factor at Goodwood as riders can often find it difficult to negotiate a clear passage in running. A good draw is crucial here.
FEATURE RACES SUSSEX STAKES Notable winners include RAYON D’OR (1879), PARADOX (1885), ORME (1892), MINORU (1909), PETITE ETOILE (1959), HUMBLE DUTY (1970), BRIGADIER GERARD (1971), WOLLOW (1976), KRIS (1979), GIANT’S CAUSEWAY (2000), ROCK OF GIBRALTAR (2002), SOVIET SONG (2004) and RAMONTI (2007). FRANKEL (2011, 12) became the first to win it twice.
NASSAU STAKES Established in 1840, it was a race for 3yo fillies only until 1975 when the conditions were extended to include older fillies and mares. The race was granted Group 1 status in 1999. Many greats won in the early days including LA FLECHE (1892), SCEPTRE (1902), PRETTY POLLY (1904), CHERRY LASS (1905) and SAUCY SUE (1925). Each had also won the Oaks. Since becoming a Group 1, notable winners include ALEXANDER GOLDRUN (2005), winner of the Hong Kong Cup (2004); OUIJA BOARD (2006); and MIDDAY (2009–11) who won it a record three times in succession and took out Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare (2009) and the Prix Vermeille (2010).
SUSSEX STAKES
G1
1M
TURF
3YO+
WFA
1841
NASSAU STAKES
G1
1M1F192Y
TURF
3YO+F&M
SW
1840
GOODWOOD CUP
G2
2M
TURF
3YO+
SWP
1812
CELEBRATION MILE
G2
1M
TURF
3YO+
SWP
1967
KING GEORGE STAKES
G2
5F
TURF
3YO+
SWP
1911
LENNOX STAKES
G2
7F
TURF
3YO+
SWP
2000
GOODWOOD CUP
RICHMOND STAKES
G2
6F
TURF
2YOC+G
SWP
1877
VINTAGE STAKES
G2
7F
TURF
2YO
SWP
1975
Stewards’ Cup
HCP
6F
TURF
3YO+
HCP
1840
First run in 1812, notables include Derby winners PRIAM (1831, 32), FAVONIUS (1872), DONCASTER (1874) and ISONOMY (1879); and Ascot Gold Cup winners GLENCOE (1834), THE
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a genuine phenomenon who was undefeated in all 54 starts. As a 3yo she swept the Hungarian classics, the Austrian Derby and scored the first of three wins in the Grosser Preis von Baden. After her Goodwood Cup win, she travelled the following year to France and won the Grand Prix de Deauville (G2). She was also a threetime winner of the Hungarian Autumn Oaks (1877–79) during her illustrious career. Her tally of wins still stands as an all-time record for an undefeated horse. Puerto Rican star Camarero registered 56 successive wins in the 1950s to eclipse Kincsem’s consecutive wins record.
THE STEWARDS’ CUP
HERO (1847), ST SIMON (1884), ALYCIDON (1949), ZARATHUSTRA (1956), ARDROSS (1981) and KAYF TARA (1999). Three-time winner DOUBLE TRIGGER (1995, 97, 98) also won three Doncaster Cups (1995, 96, 98) and an Ascot Gold Cup (1995). Dual winners also include FLEUR DE LYS (1829, 30), HARKAWAY (1838, 39), CHARLES THE
TWELFTH (1841, 42), CANEZOU (1849, 50), COUNT SCHOMBERG (1896, 97), PROVERB (1973, 74), LE MOSS (1979, 80), FURTHER FLIGHT (1991, 92), PERSIAN PUNCH (2001, 03) and YEATS (2006, 08). Other notables include THE BARD (1886), BROWN JACK (1930), MARSYAS (1946) and TENERANI (1948). Hungarian national hero KINCSEM (1878) was
The Stewards’ Cup is a time-honoured sprint race. Conceived at the suggestion of Lord George Bentinck, it has a history dating back to 1840. The race is always a spectacular sight as the 6-furlong start is not visible from the grandstands and the large field of up to 28 runners will suddenly come thundering over the hill like the Charge of the Light Brigade.
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